Children’s Minnesota values input from patient families. Getting involved in the Families as Partners program is a great way for patient families to share their insight to make the Children’s care experience better.
Audrey Joined Families as Partners after ED experience
Audrey was inspired to join Families as Partners because her grandson receives care at Children’s. Read Audrey’s family’s story below to learn about her experience at Children’s and how she is involved in the Families as Partners program.
Question: What is your connection with Children’s Minnesota?
Answer: My 11-year-old grandson came through Children’s emergency department (ED) at the age of three months and suffered several seizures. He has now been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Q: What do you do with Families as Partners?
A: Presently, I am a Greeter Guide at the Children’s Specialty Center at the Minneapolis campus. I direct families to their appointments if they need assistance. I am a former member of the Family Advisory Council.
In addition, according to our patient- and family-centered care coordinator at Children’s, Audrey has been instrumental in facility design ensuring that our hospitals are accessible for those who use a wheelchair.
Q: Would you recommend FAP as a way for other families to get involved?
A: I highly recommend volunteering as a way of giving back after the excellent care given from various departments.
Q: Do you have a favorite experience with FAP?
A: My experiences with greeting staff, families and kiddos are very rewarding. One kiddo leaving a weekly appointment was too shy to interact with me at first, and now after almost a year, this kiddo says hello, waves and smiles at me.
Families as Partners program
Families as Partners offers a wide range of opportunities for involvement, including sharing your Children’s story, educating staff, providing peer-support, and advocating for pediatric policy issues. If your child is currently a patient at a Children’s clinic or hospital, or has previously been a patient, we encourage you to get involved in the Families as Partners program.
Apply today
The next Families as Partners training session is coming soon. Apply today! Learn more by contacting Tessa Billman, patient- and family-centered care coordinator, at 612-813-7407 or [email protected].